4 Things to Look For In Texas Medicare Supplemental Plans

Texas Medicare Supplemental policies cover medical procedures that are approved by Medicare provided by Medicare approved providers. Below you will find the top four things participants in the Texas Medicare Supplemental Insurance Program should be aware of when buying their plan.

1) Medicare policies in Texas are only available to individuals who are already enrolled in Medicare Part A, hospital services and Part B, doctor’s services. Each plan covers one individual. This means that you and your spouse will each have to purchase separate policies.

2) The Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans that are offered are lettered Plan A through N. Each supplemental plan offers a different package of benefits with its own premium. Although each insurance company sells the exact same policies, they offer the same benefits. Not all of the policies will be available in Texas.

3) It is pertinent to save on premiums that you purchase your Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan during your six month enrollment period. This period begins on the start of the first day of the month in which you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B.

During this time period insurance companies cannot use medical underwriting to deny your policy or raise your premiums due to your health nor may they apply a waiting period. If you want to get Medicare Supplemental coverage after your open enrollment period there is no guarantee that you will be able to get coverage. In certain cases you will get coverage but at a higher premium, if you do have a preexisting condition.

4) In order to have a Medicare Supplemental Plan to cover gaps in your Original Medicare plan you are required to pay a monthly premium to the insurance company that is providing your insurance policy along with paying your Medicare Part B premium. The cost of your policy is determined by the following:

- Community-rated polices charge the same premium to everyone within the same are regardless of age.
- Premiums that are issued based on the age you first bought them do not increase automatically as you age.
- Attained age rates policies are less expensive at 65 but their rates increase automatically as you age.

Generally, Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Texas companies establishes their own prices and eligibility regulations. Working with a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Broker allows you to compare different supplemental plans and their costs through a variety of providers.